Devon police to work with abusers

£630k funding for domestic violence scheme

Devon and Cornwall's police and crime commissioner has won government funding to work with domestic abusers.

The commissioner's office put forward a project to the government, which has stumped up £417,395 for police and other agencies such as local councils to work with abusers and their families with the aim of breaking the cycle of violence and helping people identify how they can change. It will also help some key workers and members of the public to identify signs of an abusive relationship and give them the skills to help intervene. Councils and the police and crime commissioner are putting £215,959 towards the work too.
 
Emily Owen, criminal justice partnerships and commissioning officer for the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “This additional funding will help us develop a programme of work to better understand perpetration and develop a series of interventions to prevent further harm.
We know that this is an incredibly difficult time for those affected by domestic abuse and it is more important than ever that support is available.”
 
Police and crime commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Alison Hernandez, said: “The work and support on offer to those who have suffered domestic abuse is vital, but we will never break the chain of this violence without also focusing on the perpetrator. Intervening early and working with them and their families is crucial to helping them identify why they act in this manner and what changes they can make to alter their behaviour.
 
“This programme will also help members of the public and local communities to spot the signs of abusive or controlling behaviour and build the trusted relationships needed to intervene.”
 
Councillor Roger Croad, Devon County Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for services that support victims of domestic abuse, said: “We have seen a rise in the number of incidents reported during the coronavirus pandemic and we are working very hard with our partners to ensure that victims of abuse are supported. It is also important that we work with perpetrators of abuse to help them stop their pattern of abusive behaviour.”
 
If anyone is experiencing domestic abuse, support is available through any of the following:

Devon Service –  0345 155 1074  or www.splitz.org
Torbay Service – 0800 916 1474 www.sanctuary-supported-living.com

Plymouth Service – 0800 458 2558 www.sanctuary-supported-living.com
National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0808 2000 247
Victim Support 24/7 – call 0808 1689 111 or live chat at www.victimsupport.org.uk
Police Victim Care Unit - 01392 476900